Apparatus for applying and removing rail clips onto rail ties

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for applying or removing rail clips to secure a rail onto a rail tie including a frame, an operator workstation disposed on the frame, at least one workhead assembly constructed and arranged to move relative to the frame, at least one fastener assembly disposed on the workhead assembly, and at least one paddle assembly disposed on the workhead assembly for working in conjunction with the fastener assembly to push a clip in position for holding the rail to the tie.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/358,866, filed Jan. 23, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to railroad track maintenanceand construction, and more particularly, to an apparatus for applyingrail clips onto rail ties, preferably concrete rail ties.

While long accepted in Europe, the use of concrete rail ties to replacewooden ties is becoming more popular in North America. One commoninstallation technique used with concrete ties includes providing theties with embedded threaded inserts for receiving rail clips andfasteners. The tie, clips and fasteners are provided in an assembledcondition. Well-known assemblies of this type are manufactured byVossloh AG (www.vossloh.com). After placing the rail on the concreteties, the fasteners are loosened and the rail clips are placed over therail in a gripping position. The fastener is then tightened until therail clip and the rail are secured to the concrete tie.

The process of manually installing and removing clips and fasteners tosecure rails to ties is tedious and time consuming. These issues led tothe development of devices that automatically perform the application ofsuch rail clips. Thus, one design criteria of such an apparatus is torapidly apply preassembled rail clips. Conventional automated devicesrequire the operator to walk behind the unit.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present apparatus for applying rail clips onto concrete rail tiesfeatures a biasing device urging a paddle towards and engaging the railtie when a fastener driver reciprocates vertically relative to the railtie. This engagement reduces the likelihood of the rail clip becomingmisaligned and facilitates application of the rail clips. During clipapplication, the paddle automatically pushes the clip into positionprior to the fastener being tightened.

In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus further includes a retentionbracket configured to move between a retracted position and a clipengaging position determined by the position of the paddle. Theretention bracket includes a track for slidingly engaging a strip on acylinder mounting bracket mounted to the paddle.

Another feature includes an operator workstation located on a frame ofthe apparatus, thus providing a convenient location for the operator tooperate and monitor the apparatus.

More specifically, an apparatus for applying rail clips to secure a railonto a rail includes a frame, an operator workstation disposed on theframe, at least one workhead assembly constructed and arranged to moverelative to the frame, at least one fastener assembly disposed on theworkhead assembly, and at least one paddle assembly disposed to theworkhead assembly for working in conjunction with the fastener assemblyto push a clip in position for holding the rail to the tie.

In an alternate embodiment, an apparatus for applying or removing railclips onto rail ties includes a frame, at least one workhead assemblyconstructed and arranged to move relative to the frame, at least onefastener assembly disposed on the workhead assembly, at least one paddleassembly disposed on the workhead assembly, and at least one paddleincluded on the paddle assembly and being biased towards the rail tie.

In yet another alternate embodiment, an apparatus for applying orremoving rail clips to secure a rail onto a rail tie includes a frame,an operator workstation disposed on the frame, at least one workheadassembly constructed and arranged to move relative to the frame, and atleast one fastener assembly disposed on the workhead assembly. At leastone paddle mechanism includes a paddle, disposed on the workheadassembly for working in conjunction with the fastener assembly to push aclip in position for holding the rail to the tie, and a retentionbracket associated with the paddle mechanism and configured for movingbetween a retracted position and a clip engaging position determined bya position of the paddle.

In still another alternate embodiment, a paddle mechanism is providedfor use with an apparatus for applying or removing rail clips to securea rail onto a rail tie including a frame, an operator workstationdisposed on the frame, at least one workhead assembly constructed andarranged to move relative to the frame, at least one fastener assemblydisposed on the workhead assembly, a cylinder mounting bracket disposedon the fastener assembly, at least one fin disposed on the cylindermounting bracket and having at least one oval-shaped opening forengagement with a pivot pin, and a latch cylinder affixed to the fin thepaddle mechanism includes a paddle bracket having a housing and a pairof spaced ears defining a slot therebetween, each ear being wedge-shapedand having a transverse bore constructed and arranged for accommodatingthe pivot pin and the latch cylinder being accommodated in the slot, thebores of adjacent ears being in registry with each other. A paddle issecured to a lower end of the bracket and includes a first, horizontalpanel and a second, vertical panel joined together along a common edgeto form a general right angle.

In a further alternative embodiment, a retention bracket is provided foruse with an apparatus for applying or removing rail clips to secure arail onto a rail tie including a frame, an operator workstation disposedon the frame, at least one workhead assembly constructed and arranged tomove relative to the frame, at least one fastener assembly disposed onthe workhead assembly, at least one paddle assembly disposed on theworkhead assembly for working in conjunction with the fastener assemblyto push a clip in position for holding the rail to the tie, a cylindermounting bracket forming a common mount of the paddle assembly and thefastener assembly, and at least one fin disposed on the cylindermounting bracket having a protruding strip generally parallel to therail tie and having at least one oval-shaped opening for engagement witha pivot pin. The retention bracket includes at least one sliding portionhaving a track constructed and arranged to slidingly engaging the strip,and a depending guide portion having a laterally facing guide opening ata first end of the sliding portion for accommodating the pivot pin whenthe sliding portion engages the strip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the present apparatus for applyingrail clips onto concrete rail ties;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the present apparatus with portionsremoved for clarity;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective, exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 2with portions removed for clarity;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 withportions removed for clarity;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the present workhead of FIG. 1 with portionsremoved for clarity and shown with a fastener assembly in a fastenertightening position and a paddle in a withdrawn position;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the workhead of FIG. 5 and shown with thefastener tightening assembly in a fastener loosening position and thepaddle in a withdrawn position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the workhead of FIG. 5 with portions removedfor clarity and shown with the fastener assembly in a fastener looseningposition and the paddle in a rail clip engaging position;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the workhead of FIG. 5 with portions removedfor clarity and shown with the fastener assembly in a fastenertightening position and the paddle in a rail clip engaging position;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged rear elevation view of the present clipapplication apparatus of FIG. 1 with portions removed for clarity;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged right side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 withportions removed for clarity;

FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of an apparatus forapplying rail clips onto concrete rail ties, with the retention bracketin the retracted position;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 11, with the retentionbracket in the clip engaging position;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 11, with theretention bracket in the clip engaging position;

FIG. 14 is another side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a front view of a plate of the apparatus of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the same.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 9, a railway maintenance apparatus isgenerally designated 10 and moves along a railroad track 12 having twoparallel rails 14. Supporting the rails 14 are a plurality of railroadties 16, each positioned generally perpendicular to the rails 14. Whileconcrete ties are preferred, ties of other materials are contemplated. Arail clip 18 is used to secure each tie 16 to the rails 14. Preferably,a set of two rail clips 18 are used to secure each rail 14 to thecorresponding tie 16, each of the rail clips being positioned onopposite field and gauge sides of the rail. While a variety of clips areused to secure rails to ties, the present apparatus 10 is designed foruse with Vossloh brand clips, which are well known in the art, or theirequivalent. A fastener 20, specifically a threaded bolt passes throughan opening 22 in the rail clip 18 and into the tie 16 to secure the railclip and the rail 14 to the tie. As is known in the art, the fastener 20typically engages a polymeric insert (not shown) located in a bore inthe tie 16. Also, the tie 16 is provided with nesting recesses andformations 21 for receiving the clip 18.

The railway maintenance apparatus 10 includes a frame 24 having at leastone operator workstation 26 allowing an operator 27 to ride on theapparatus as it moves along the track 12, preferably by employing amotor 25. The frame 24 is provided with other components includingwheels for propulsion. Such features are well known in the art and aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,616 to Eidemanis et al. which isincorporated by reference. The operator workstation 26 provides anadvantage of comfort and convenience for the operator as opposed to, forexample, a conventional apparatus requiring the operator to walk behindand control the apparatus while on foot. At least one control mechanism28 is positioned near the operator workstation 26, providing theindividual with controls such as a hydraulic remote control and handcontroller 29 for moving the apparatus 10 and for additional railmaintenance functions, which will be described in further detail below.

The apparatus 10 includes at least one workhead carriage 30 which isconstructed and arranged to move at least one workhead assembly 32parallel and transverse to the rails 14. Workhead carriages of this typeare well known in the art (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,667 to Hoskinget al, which is incorporated by reference). A first cylinder 34 on theworkhead carriage 30 facilitates movement of the workheads 32 in adirection parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rails 14. A secondcylinder 36 on the workhead carriage 30 facilitates movement of theworkheads 32 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofthe rails 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, each workhead assembly 32 is configuredto move vertically between a travel position and a ready position, whichis described in further detail below. The apparatus 10 preferablyincludes two workhead assemblies 32, each being able to moveindependently of the other. Included in the workhead assembly 32 is adrive bracket 38 connecting a fastener assembly 40 and a paddle assembly42 (FIG. 2). At a top end 44 of the drive bracket 38 is at least one,but preferably two generally tubular formations 46, each configured foraccepting a guide mounting bushing 48 and one of a pair of guide shafts50. The parallel orientation of the guide shafts 50 is maintained by aguide bracket 52 using a guide fastener and nut 54 to secure each guideshaft in the guide bracket. Each guide shaft 50 is attached at its otherend to a guide block 56 slidably disposed on the workhead carriage 30.

A position sensor assembly 57 is attached to the guide block 56 formonitoring the position of the fastener assembly 32. A driving cylinder58 engages the guide block 56 at an upper end, and a cylinder bracket 60at the opposite end, the cylinder bracket preferably being integratedwith the drive bracket 38. Thus, extension or retraction of the drivingcylinder 58 selectively positions the drive brackets 38 along the guideshaft 50.

Each fastener assembly 40 includes a motor 62, preferably hydraulic,being attached to a drive housing 64 enclosing a transmission (notshown) and having a tubular cavity 66. The drive housing 64 is furtherattached to the top end 44 of the drive bracket 38. At a bottom end 68of the drive bracket 38 is a drive shaft opening 70. A drive shaft 71 ispowered by the motor 62 through the drive housing 64, and extendsthrough a drive extension adapter 72 disposed in the drive bracket 38,and finally a bushing 73 (FIG. 3) in the drive shaft opening 70 in thedrive bracket. A drive socket 74 is secured to a lower end of the driveshaft 71 with drive pins 76, which also secure the drive adapter 72 tothe upper end of the shaft 71. The drive shaft 71 and the socket 74 thusrotate relative to the drive assembly 64 under the power of the motor62.

Referring now to FIG. 4, at the bottom end 68 of the drive bracket 38 isat least one, but preferably two tubular extensions 78 each configuredfor accepting a feeder frame bushing 80 (FIG. 3) and a guide rod 82. Areleasable positioning cotter pin 84 located above the extensions 78,engages one of a plurality of positioning openings 86 on the guide rod82, allowing the height of the guide rod and the paddle assembly 42 tobe adjusted relative to the drive bracket 38. The guide rods 82 eachengage an opening 88 in a cylinder mounting bracket 90. A compressionspring 92 accommodates each guide rod 82 and is bound between the drivebracket 38 and the cylinder mounting bracket 90. A compression springpin 94 holds each guide rod 82 to the cylinder mounting bracket 90.Thus, the cylinder mounting bracket 90 and the guide rods 82 are biaseddownwardly away from the drive bracket 38, but once the biasing force isovercome, the mounting bracket can move vertically upward towards thetop end 44. This enables the fastener assembly 40 to move relative tothe mounting bracket 90 once the bracket contacts the tie 16 as will bedescribed below.

Disposed on the cylinder mounting bracket 90 is at least one, butpreferably two fins 98. Each fin 98 has a first, generallycircular-shaped opening 100 and a second, generally elongate oroval-shaped opening 102. A first pivot pin 104 passes through thecircular-shaped opening 100 in the one fin 98, a bore 110 in a cylinderbody 106 included on the paddle assembly 42, and finally through thecircular-opening 100 in the other fin 98. A second pivot pin 108 passesthrough the oval-shaped opening 102 in one fin 98 and through acylindrical-shaped opening 136 in a paddle bracket 112. A paddle 114 issecured to the bracket 112, as by being welded, but other fastening orfabrication techniques are contemplated. The generally planar paddle 114is constructed and arranged for engaging the clip 18 as will bedescribed in greater detail below. The first pivot pin 104 and thesecond pivot pin 108 are connected by at least one, but preferably twoextension springs 116. Each extension spring 116 connects an end 118 ofthe first pivot pin 104 to a corresponding end 120 of the second pivotpin 108. Each end of the pivot pins 104, 108 engages each of therespective pairs of openings 100, 102. At least one spring pin 121 isused to retain the pivot pins 104, 108 in the bracket 90.

Connecting the cylinder body 106 on the paddle assembly 42 to the paddlebracket 112 are several parts arranged in linear fashion forming a latchcylinder 122. Included in the latch cylinder 122 is a piston ring 124mounted on a hydraulic piston 126 and slidably engaging an inner bore(not shown) of the cylinder body 106. A rod wiper 128 is mounted to alower end of the piston 126, and a hexnut 130 secures a swivel eyelet132 to a lower end of the piston 126. Pivot pin 108 pivotally holds theeyelet 132 in at least one bores 133 of the paddle bracket 112 in aclevis arrangement. A bolt 134 secures the paddle bracket 112 to thecylinder mounting bracket 90 by passing through a throughbore 136 on thepaddle bracket and an opening (now shown) on the cylinder mountingbracket 90. A hex nut 138 secures the bolt 134 in place.

Due to the spaced location of the bore 133 from the opening 136,extension or retraction of the piston 126 causes the paddle 114 to pivotrelative to the mounting bracket 90 about the axis formed by the bolt134. This pivoting action causes the paddle 114 to define an arc ofmotion (arrow “A” in FIG. 7) as the paddle moves throughextension/pressurization of the piston 126. This extension of the piston126 causes the pins 108 to move in the elongated slots 102. Since thecylinder 122 is single acting, the springs 116 perform a return functionupon depressurization of the cylinder as is known in the art, to pullthe paddle 114 back to the retracted position of FIGS. 5 and 6.

As previously described, rail clips 18 include fasteners 20, which passthrough an opening 22 in the rail clip and into the tie 16 to secure therail clip and the rail 14 to the tie. Typically, rail clips 18 areshipped and stored attached to the ties 16 with the fasteners 20tightened. Therefore, the fastener 20 must first be loosened before therail clip 18 is used to secure the rail 14. Then, once the rail clip 18is properly aligned over the rail 14 and the tie 16, the fastener isretightened to secure the rail clip and the rail to the tie.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, when the workhead assembly 32 is in theready position, the operator 27 locates the workhead assembly above thetarget fastener 20 using the hand controller 29. While operation of thepresent apparatus 10 is described as being controlled by the operator27, operations can also be performed automatically. While automaticcontrol is preferably controlled by a program logic controller or “PLC”139 (FIG. 1), other components providing automation are contemplated asknown in the art (e.g., circuit boards and/or relays). Upon activationby the operator 27, the fastener assembly 40 moves generally verticallybetween a fastener tightening position (FIG. 5) and a fastener looseningposition (FIG. 6). More specifically, the operator 27 causes theworkhead assembly 32 to move into the ready position and the fastenerassembly 40 to move into the relatively lower fastener tighteningposition such that the drive socket 74 engages the fastener 20 (FIG. 5)followed by counter-clockwise rotation of the drive socket 74. Thisaction, which also moves the fastener assembly 40 upward through actionof the driving cylinder 58, moves the fastener assembly 40 into thefastener. Next, the operator 27 causes the fastener assembly to moveinto the relatively higher fastener loosening position, therebyloosening the fastener 20 and freeing the rail clip 18 for movement(FIG. 6).

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the operator then causes the paddleassembly 42 to position the clip 18 and the fastener assembly 40 totighten the fastener 20. The paddle 114 is constructed and arranged forpivoting relative to the drive bracket 38, the common mount of thepaddle assembly 42 and the fastener assembly 40, such that when thefastener assembly is in the ready position, the paddle 114 is moveablebetween a withdrawn position (FIGS. 5 and 6) and a rail clip engagingposition (FIGS. 7 and 8), by use of the cylinder 122 which extendsaround the cylinder mounting bracket 90.

Once the fastener 20 has been loosened from the rail clip 18 (FIG. 5),the operator 27 causes the paddle 114 to pivot in the direction of arrow“A” into the rail clip engaging position (FIG. 7) where it engages andexerts a pushing force on the rail clip 18. Once the clip 18 is inposition, the operator 27 causes the fastener assembly 40 to rotateclockwise, and move into the fastener tightening position to secure thefastener 20 (FIG. 8). As the fastener 20 is being tightened, thefastener assembly 40 moves closer to the tie 16, while the paddle 114remains in contact with the tie. This relative movement is reflected inthe compression of the spring 92 (FIG. 8) As such, the paddle 114continues to engage and exert a force on the rail tie 16 independent ofthe movement of the fastener assembly 40 such that the alignment of therail clip 18 is properly maintained as the fastener 20 is tightened.

The combined use of the fastener assembly 40 and the paddle assembly 40reduce the likelihood of the fastener 20 and the rail clip 18 becomingmisaligned and therefore provide for a more efficient clip applicationprocess. Further, the location of the operator workstation 26 on theframe 24 provides a convenient and comfortable location for the operator27 to facilitate and monitor operation of the present maintenanceapparatus.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, an alternate embodiment is depicted andgenerally designated 130. Components shown with the apparatus 10 aredesignated with identical reference numbers. The apparatus 130 includesa retention bracket 140, which is “L”-shaped when viewed from the side.Included on the retention bracket 140 is least one and preferably twosliding portions 142, each having a generally “U”-shaped, laterallyopening track 144 (FIG. 13) for slidingly engaging a protruding andcomplementary generally parallel strip 146 disposed on the fins 90. Anoil-fill nozzle 148 is disposed on each sliding portion 142 for addingoil or other lubricant to facilitate movement of the track 144 along thestrip 146. Each sliding portion 142 further includes a depending guideportion 150 with a laterally facing guide opening 152, both located neara first end 154 of the sliding portion 142. A guide rod 158 is disposedparallel to a rail web 14 a of the rail 14 and is aligned such that itpasses through an opening 156 (FIG. 4) in the paddle bracket 112 and theguide openings 152. Guide pins 160 are used at each end of the guide rod158 to secure the guide rod in position. Affixed to a second end 162 ofthe sliding portion 142 is a generally planar guide surface 164 orientedto be generally coplanar with the rail. A generally planar plate 166 isattached to the guide surface 164 using at least one fastener 168.

The retention bracket 140 is configured to move between a retractedposition (FIG. 11) and a clip engaging position (FIG. 12), the positionof the bracket being dependent upon the position of the paddle 114. Morespecifically, the retention bracket 140 is movable transversely to therail 14 through a pivot connection to the paddle bracket 112. When thepaddle 114 is in the rail clip engaging position (FIG. 12), the guiderod 158 is positioned such that it provides a force on the retentionbracket 140 in a direction towards the rail 14. As such, the retentionbracket 140 (including the guide surface 164 and the plate 166) moves tothe retracted position, (i.e., away from the clip 18 and towards therail 14). When the paddle 114 moves into the withdrawn position, therotation of the paddle bracket 112 draws the guide rod 158 transverselyaway from the rail 14, thereby pulling the retention bracket 140 towardsthe clip 18, into the clip engaging position, and thus pushing the clipfrom its rail engaging position. When the retention bracket 140 is inthe clip engaging position, the plate 166 grippingly engages the clip18. Movement of the retention bracket 140 is facilitated by movement ofthe track 144 along the strip 146.

Preferably, the guide opening 152 is generally oval-shaped allowing theguide rod 158 to move within the guide opening as the paddle movesbetween the rail clip engaging position and the withdrawn position. Whenthe paddle 114 is in the rail clip engaging position, the guide rod 158is positioned at a lower end of the guide opening 152. As the paddle 114moves into the withdrawn position, the guide rod 158 moves into an upperend of the guide opening 152 as the paddle pivots about the bolt 134(FIG. 4). The vertical movement of the guide rod 158 translates intohorizontal movement of the retention bracket 140 resulting from themovement of the guide rod 158 within the guide opening 152 as previouslydiscussed.

The retention bracket 140 provides several advantages. First, as a railclip 18 is applied to the rail tie 16 by driving the fastener 20 throughthe fastener opening 22, the plate 166 on the retention bracket 140prevents the clip from rotating about the fastener. Further, as theplate 166 becomes worn over time, it can be easily replaced by removingthe fastener 168 and replacing the part.

In addition, the retention bracket 140 aids in the removal of the clip18 and the fastener 20. The removal process is performed by theapparatus 130 by performing the clip-application steps described indetail above in reverse order. The retention bracket 140 however,provides an additional benefit during the removal process. Specifically,as the paddle 114 moves into the withdrawn position (and the retentionbracket 140 moves into the clip engaging position), the plate 166 exertsa force on the clip 18 towards the fastener 20. This force results in aslight lifting of the clip 18 which aids in removal of the clip.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 13, the paddle bracket 112 and the paddle114 are collectively referred to as the paddle mechanism 170. Includedon the paddle bracket 112 is a housing 172 having a pair of spaced ears174 each with the transverse bore 133, the bores of adjacent ears beingin registry with each other. A generally U-shaped slot 178 separates theears 174. The throughbore 136 is located on an opposite side of thehousing 172 from the ears 174. In the preferred embodiment, the ears 174are triangular or wedge-shaped, and point laterally away from the rail14.

Attached as by welding to the housing 172 is the generally “L”-shapedpaddle 114, thereby securing the paddle to a lower end 179 of thebracket. Included on the paddle 114 is a first, horizontal panel 180 anda second, vertical panel 182 joined together along a common edge 184.The vertical panel 182 performs the work of pushing the clip 18 intoposition. At least one and preferably two triangular gussets 186 supportthe paddle and connecting the first and second panels 180, 182. As isknown in the art, the configuration and placement of the gussets 186 mayvary to suit the situation.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, the plate 166 is now shown in greaterdetail in FIGS. 14-16. The plate 166 is generally planar, has agenerally “U”-shaped body and has a base portion 188 connecting twospaced end portions 190. At least one elongated opening 192 is disposedon each end portion 190 and is configured for accommodating thecorresponding plate fastener 168 for securing the plate 166 to the guidesurface 164. A chamfered clip recess 196 is disposed on a lower edge ofthe base portion 188 between the end portions 190 for providing betterengagement between the plate 166 and a middle portion 198 of the clip 18when the retention bracket 140 is in the clip engaging position (FIG.14). This engagement causes the clip 18 to slightly rotate counterclockwise, in the direction indicated by an arrow A, thereby allowingthe clip to move away from the rail 14 without interference from theformation 21. Preferably, a spacer 200 (FIG. 14) made of rubber oranother suitable resilient material is positioned between the plate 166and the guide surface 164 to reduce the likelihood of damage caused byenvironmental obstructions.

While particular embodiments of the present apparatus for applying andremoving rail clips onto rail ties has been described herein, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modificationsmay be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broaderaspects and as set forth in the following claims.

1. A paddle mechanism for use with an apparatus for applying or removingrail clips to secure a rail onto a rail tie including a frame, anoperator workstation disposed on the frame, at least one workheadassembly constructed and arranged to move relative to the frame, atleast one fastener assembly disposed on the workhead assembly, acylinder mounting bracket disposed on said fastener assembly, at leastone fin disposed on the cylinder mounting bracket and having at leastone oval-shaped opening for engagement with a pivot pin, a latchcylinder affixed to the fin, said paddle mechanism comprising: a paddlebracket having a housing and a pair of spaced ears defining a slottherebetween; each said ear being wedge-shaped and having a transversebore constructed and arranged for accommodating the pivot pin and thelatch cylinder being accommodated in said slot, said bores of adjacentears being in registry with each other; and a paddle secured to a lowerend of said bracket and including a first, horizontal panel and asecond, vertical panel joined together along a common edge to form ageneral right angle.
 2. A retention bracket for use with an apparatusfor applying or removing rail clips to secure a rail onto a rail tieincluding a frame, an operator workstation disposed on the frame, atleast one workhead assembly constructed and arranged to move relative tothe frame, at least one fastener assembly disposed on the workheadassembly, at least one paddle assembly disposed on the workhead assemblyfor working in conjunction with the fastener assembly to push a clip inposition for holding the rail to the tie, a cylinder mounting bracketforming a common mount of the paddle assembly and the fastener assembly,at least one fin disposed on the cylinder mounting bracket having aprotruding strip generally parallel to a rail web on the rail and havingat least one oval-shaped opening for engagement with a pivot pin, saidretention bracket comprising: at least one sliding portion having atrack constructed and arranged to slidingly engaging the strip; and adepending guide portion having a laterally facing guide opening at afirst end of the sliding portion for accommodating the pivot pin whensaid sliding portion engages the strip.
 3. The retention bracket ofclaim 2 wherein the rail has a rail web and said bracket furthercomprises: a guide surface oriented to be generally coplanar with therail web and affixed and depending from a second end of said slidingportion.
 4. The retention bracket of claim 3 further comprising: atleast one fastener; and a plate, said guide surface being fastened tosaid plate using said at least one fastener.
 5. A plate for use with anapparatus for applying or removing rail clips to secure a rail onto arail tie including a frame, an operator workstation disposed on theframe, at least one workhead assembly constructed and arranged to moverelative to the frame, at least one fastener assembly disposed on theworkhead assembly, at least one paddle assembly disposed on the workheadassembly for working in conjunction with the fastener assembly to push aclip in position for holding the rail to the tie, a cylinder mountingbracket forming a common mount of the paddle assembly and the fastenerassembly, at least one fin disposed on the cylinder mounting brackethaving a protruding strip generally parallel to a rail web on the railand having at least one oval-shaped opening for engagement with a pivotpin, a retention bracket having at least one sliding portion having atrack constructed and arranged to slidingly engaging the strip andconfigured to move between a retracted position and a clip engagingposition, a depending guide portion having a laterally facing guideopening at a first end of the sliding portion for accommodating thepivot pin when the sliding portion engages the strip, and a generallyplanar guide surface affixed to a second end of the guide portion, theguide surface being oriented to be generally coplanar with the rail andincluding at least one opening constructed and arranged foraccommodating at least one plate fastener to secure said plate to theguide surface, said plate comprising: a generally planar and generally“U”-shaped body having a base portion connecting two spaced endportions, at least one elongated opening disposed on each said endportion configured for accommodating the corresponding plate fastenerfor securing said plate to the guide surface; a chamfered clip recessdisposed on said base portion between said end portions for engaging theclip when said plate is secured to the guide surface and the retentionbracket is in the clip engaging position.